Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012
133. Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost in 2011 to his Department and to each body under the aegis of his Department of implementing the Official Languages Act 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44467/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware the aim of the Official Languages Act 2003 is to increase and improve in an organised manner over a period of time the quantity and quality of services provided for the public through Irish by public bodies. The intention of the legislation is to create a space for the language in public affairs in Ireland. My Department is fully committed, through its customer charter, its language scheme and other promotional strategies, to respect and comply with all provisions of the Act.
In terms of direct cost, my Department spent €43,118.49 implementing the Official Languages Act in 2011. This supported a range of services including, the cost of translating and printing of passport application forms, educational resource material for schools on the Irish Aid programme as well as the translation and production costs of the Department’s, Irish Aid’s and the Audit Committee’s annual reports. Other translation costs include Letters of Credence and Recall for our Ambassadors and other Protocol related activities.
